Research Flow Cytometers

Flow cytometry is an analytical technique utilized to examine the physical and chemical properties of cells and microparticles, including beads. This method exploits a wide range of disciplines to elucidate information such as size, shape, DNA content, surface receptors, and membrane permeability, as well as to count the cells in a sample. Sorting capabilities are based on fluorescence activity that is measured while the sample is in flow.

2009 Overall Market for Research Flow Cytometers

The first step for analysis by flow cytometry is to label the sample cells or beads with fluorescent dyes that bind only to specific components of interest. Samples are then suspended in a liquid and injected into the flow cytometer. Under precise, controlled conditions, the sample is subjected to the phenomenon of laminar flow, whereby the injected sample is constrained to the center of a fluid stream. This forces the sample of cells or beads to proceed in a single file fashion, passing through a laser beam that excites the fluorescent dyes. Each cell or bead will also cause the laser beam to scatter in a specific pattern, which is a function of the shape, size, and structure of the cell or bead. Information is collected and analyzed by the system’s data analysis system.

The total market for flow cytometry accounted for about 20% of the total market for cell analysis or more than $750 million in 2009. The two types of technologies included in this category are full-scale sorters/analyzers and benchtop or compact cytometers. Strong growth is expected from compact flow cytometers, which use the same flow cytometry principles as the larger systems, yet provide the added benefit of lower cost, and a space-saving design.

The foregoing data was extracted and adapted from SDi's Cell Analysis: Instruments, Equipment, Cell Culture, and More report published in December 2009. For more information, contact Glenn Cudiamat, VP of Research Services, Strategic Directions International, Inc., 6242 Westchester Parkway, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90045, tel. (310) 641-4982, fax (310) 641-8851, e-mail:cudiamat@strategic-directions.com